In late December 2021, the Secretary of the NSW Ministry of Health on behalf of New South Wales Health Pathology (employer) filed new applications to vary the Health Professional and Medical Salaries (State) Award 2021, and the Hospital Scientists (State) Award 2021 (Awards). These new applications are variations to previous applications filed by your employer.

New Variations Proposed

The newly filed applications introduce a new pay and classification structure which will replace the existing pay structure for Senior Hospital Scientists and Chief Scientists. The title of these positions will be changed to Medical Scientist Manager, or Forensic Scientist Manager.

The new pay structure will contain four pay levels, which correspond to the existing pay structure, however, the variations are drafted to provide your employer with discretion as to how employees are appointed to these positions. These proposed changes are likely to see employees underpaid and create disputes about whether employees are receiving the pay which corresponds to the work they are performing.

Most significantly, the newly filed applications, if successful, will have the effect of downgrading and reducing the pay salaries of a number of Senior Hospital Scientist positions.

This means that despite record profits and the unprecedented sacrifice of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, your employer is hell-bent on reducing your pay and conditions. The proposed variations are shameful and should be condemned by all employees of New South Wales Health Pathology.

Workload & Fatigue

During numerous meetings, hundreds of HSU members from pathology have repeatedly spoken about excessive workloads, exhaustion, and fatigue which they face at work every day, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of this on their physical and mental health as well as its flow on effects to their families. Yet, your employer’s response has been to continue with variations to your Awards that aim to reduce pay and conditions.

The HSU is strongly opposed to these variations and will be fighting to improve the pay and conditions of all healthcare workers.

You can view your employer’s applications to vary the Awards by clicking here.

If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this matter further, please contact Maki Danalis, Industrial Officer at the HSU, on 1300 478 679 or email [E-Mail not displayed].

It’s never been more important to be part of your Union. Know someone who isn’t yet an HSU member? Tell them to join today at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.

In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD